What is Higher Brain Dysfunction?
Higher brain functions refer to functions that govern intellectual parts such as "recognizing," "judging," and "creating," other than instincts (lower brain). Within the brain, these correspond to the area called the "Neocortex".
Higher Brain Dysfunction (HBD) refers to residual functional impairment in memory, attention, emotions, behavior, judgment, and language caused by brain damage from traumatic brain injury (TBI) like accidents or subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Key characteristics of this disability include:
- Symptoms manifest differently for each individual.
- Multiple symptoms often overlap.
- Hard to distinguish from appearance, often called the "Invisible Disability".
Primary Symptoms
Memory ImpairmentUnable to remember things or quickly forgetting new experiences.
Attention DisorderBecoming easily bored, distracted by surrounding sounds/light, or unable to do multiple things simultaneously.
Social Behavior DisorderInability to control emotions, verbal outbursts, violence, dependency, or childish behavior.
Aphasia, Agnosia, ApraxiaInability to speak, recognize objects, or perform routine actions like brushing teeth.
Topographical Disorientation & PerseverationGetting lost/unable to read maps or repeating the same words/actions.